Russia to remain Vietnam's key military-technological cooperation partner - ambassador
MOSCOW. Dec 20 (Interfax) - The possibility of Vietnam's continuing to buy Russian weapons will depend on the development of the situation in the region and Hanoi's financial capacities, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Nguyen Thanh Son said in an interview with Interfax.
"I think our new orders will depend on the development of the situation in the region and our economy's capacities," the ambassador said when asked whether Hanoi plans to continue buying Russian Project 636.1 submarines and Gepard frigates.
Vietnam buys Russian weapons for defensive purposes, he said.
"We are not going to provoke anyone or quarrel with anyone in the region," he said.
Talking about the implementation of the current contracts for submarines and frigates, the diplomat said they are being implemented according to schedule.
"We have received two subs this year, and all the six subs should be delivered in 2016," he said.
The ambassador also vowed that, even though Washington has lifted its embargo on weapons supplies to Vietnam, Russia will remain Hanoi's principal military-technological cooperation partner.
"Indeed, the U.S. announced the lifting of part of the embargo on sales of weapons and ammunition to Vietnam last month, but Russia still remains our priority partner in this sector," he said.